Radiation System
Gameplay System - Game server
Radiation system is a separate server side plugin implemented in DayZ enforce scripting language that adds new gameplay mechanics related to the exposure of the environmental threats like Radiation and Chemical contamination. The systems provide a full logic of new types of diseases and symptoms that affect the player. We also implemented various types of protective gear and items that help the player to survive in these harsh conditions.
Radiation Equipment Overview
Chemical zone
Thermal zone
Protective suit
Backend System - API
The radiation system is a very simple component that started as a separate system for radiation only, but was later refactored into a simple middleware that traverses data to the MapReader.
It is essentially a connector between the DayZ server, the Radiation API, and the MapReader
I could have merged it directly into the MapReader, but that wouldn't make sense since the MapReader is just a bitmap reader and does not contain specific logic for external systems.
The beauty of this system is its simplicity and scalability. Whenever we come up with a new system or gameplay mechanic related to the player's position or a specific map location, we can add a new byte to the array and start using it immediately.
The last time it took me about 30 minutes to implement a combat zone (a combat area guarded by NPCs) using this system and the MapReader.
The most important part is the array returned to the game server. Each byte in the array represents a specific value related to a particular system.
Currently supported systems
• Radiation areas
• Chemical contamination areas
• Psy zones
• Thermal zones
• Network zones
• Military combat zones
Extended radiation map with extracted metallic objects from the map
Various stages of radiation
Digital geiger counter